Skip to content

Skate shop dog has served customers for 16 years

Kayleigh Barkerin Swindon
Rescue dog Abbie has been helping out at a Swindon shop for 16 years

An 18-year-old dog has marked 16 years of working in a skate shop, where she picks up parcels and greets customers.

Abbie, a labradoodle lurcher cross, is a well-known face in Swindon's ATB skate shop. She also helps to flat-pack boxes and is popular and patient with children.

"I actually think she's probably the oldest working dog in the UK," said her owner Diana Kirk.

"Abbie's been working here since we've had her for the last 16 years because we got her at two years old. She absolutely loves to work!"

News imageAbbie is sitting on the floor of the skate shop. She is a medium sized black dog with grey all around her face. She is smiling looking directly at the camera. In the background are rows of skateboards and clothing on rails.
Abbie is a rescue dog from Essex

Abbie, who was rescued by her owners from Essex, has shown no signs of wanting to retire, Mrs Kirk said.

"To this day, she still gets up, comes to the door, meets and greets [customers]. If the postman's here, she'll take the post from him and happily sign for us."

She added: "No one signs for a package like Abbie. When I go on and check the tracking for a parcel Abbie is there posing as if saying, 'I've signed for it'."

When a box needs flattening, Abbie will help the shop with the recycling too, by tearing up the boxes.

News imageDiana sitting on the floor with Abbie and Patch. Diana is blonde and wears a black T-shirt and blue jeans. In front of her sits Abbie's blue dinosaur toy. Next to Diana lies two dogs, Abbie (a black medium sized dog) and Patch (a large brown Labrador). Behind them is the shop. You can see wet suits hanging, scooters and skate board wheels neatly on display.
Diana Kirk says Abbie's little brother Patch (R) will take over from her one day

As well as physical work, Abbie also offers emotional support to younger customers.

"We get SEND children in regularly or children who just need a little bit of help and Abbie's always there for that," added Mrs Kirk.

"She's there for a hug and a cuddle."

News imageDiana Kirk A screenshot of a proof of delivery email. On the email is a photo of Abbie taking a grey parcel from the delivery person's hand.Diana Kirk
Abbie's most important job is collecting the post

Tommy Brewster has been visiting the shop since he was a young boy and now works there.

He said: "I've known Abbie for as long as I can remember.

"It's weird being her colleague now because she's kind of a hero of mine."

News imageAbbie sits on the floor with Tommy who is crouching. He wears a black hoodie, a white hat and grey jeans. Behind them is the shops front desk and to the left are rails of T-shirts.
Tommy Brewster thinks more shops should hire dogs

Following in Abbie's footsteps is her younger brother, a three-year-old Labrador called Patch.

He is being trained to one day take over from Abbie.

Mr Brewster said Patch had "big paws to fill".

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story